Northern Cape - A Destination fo All Seasons
Majestically stretching over 360 000 square kilometres from the world-renowned Kalahari Desert in the north to the arid plains of the Karoo in the South, the Northern Cape Province of South Africa offers visitors an unforgettable holiday experience.  

For nature lovers, the Northern Cape offers an abundance of nature and outdoor experiences with its incredible natural beauty and versatility.   The province's magnifying appeal is steeped in its rich archaeological heritage tracing ancient tribes like the San (Bushmen), Nama and Griqua and pays homage to its diverse history. The province is divided into five regions, namely Diamond Fields, Kalahari, Green Kalahari, Namakwa and Karoo.  

The Namakwa region especially offers a rich and diverse tourism experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the colourful histories of towns deeply rooted in a proud mining tradition.

Take an unforgettable raft or canoe trip through imposing canyons on the meandering waterways of Namakwa's artery of life, the Orange River.

Or take your 4x4 on an adventure in the haunting moonscapes of the stunningly barren, saw-toothed mountains of the untamed |Ai|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Namakwa in Full Bloom
Most flowers enthusiasts' dream is to experience Namakwa's spring display. This unspoiled expanse of open spaces is regarded as one of the world's botanical wonders.

The first flowers appear in July along the drier coastal strip and in the north of the region and later flowering displays can be found until early October at the higher and cooler altitudes.

Labelled by visitors as "the greatest flower show on earth", Namakwa offers blazing Persian carpets of colourful daisies and vegetation rich in bulbs, perennial shrubs and vygies.

The Namakwa region especially offers visitors a diverse tourism experience and is part of the Succulent Karoo which contains more than 6 000 plant species, 250 species of birds, 78 species of mammals, 132 species of reptiles and amphibians and an unknown number of insects, making it the world's richest bulb flora arid region and the most diverse, arid environment.  More than 40% of these species are found nowhere else on Earth!

Many byroads traverse the region and a large variation of landscapes and colour combinations can be found within short distances. Be sure not to miss the Goegap Nature Reserve (Springbok), the Namaqualand National Park (Kamieskroon) and the "bulb capital" Niewoudtville.

The best way to discover the small jewels sheltering between the taller plants is on foot and it offers keen photographers amazingly rewarding experiences.
Before setting out on your floral experience do contact the local tourism bureaux for up-to-date flower news or visit www.experiencenortherncape.com flower updates.

Suggested Flower Route Itineraries
Route 1
Garies Hondeklipbaai (R62) towards Soebatsfontein take Kamieskroon turnoff at Kamieskroon pass hotel to Namaqua National Park,

Route 2
From Kamieskroon take the turn off to Leliesfontein Kamiesberg Pass towards Gamoep take Nourivier turn off Garies via Karas

Route 3
Springbok Steinkopf via Nababeep (N7) Port Nolloth (R382) Grootmis/Kleinzee (permit required) Spektakel Pass Goegap Nature Reserve

For flower updates please contact the following:

Elmare van Wyk
Tankwa National Park
Tel: +27(0)27-341 1927
Fax: +27(0)86 528 1131
Email: avrilp@namakwa-dm.gov.za

Karin van der Merwe
Hantam Area
Tel: +27 (0)27 341 2203
Cell: +27(0)83 553 4045
E-mail: matjiesfontein@hantam.co.za

Bernard Van Lente
Park Manager: Namaqua National Park
Tel: +27 (0)27 672 1948
Fax: +27 (0)27 672 1015
Cell: +27 (0)83 640 4915
E-mail: BernardvL@sanparks.org

Pearl Heyns
Tourism Developing and Marketing Officer
Namakwa Tourism Office
Tel        :+27(0)27 712 8036
Fax       :+27(0)27 712 1421
E-mail : pearlh@namakwa-dm.gov.za
Website: www.namakwa-dm.gov.za

Avril Pieterse
Calvinia Tourism Office
Tel: +27(0)27 341 8131
Fax: +27(0)27  341 8129/8128
Email: avrilp@namakwa-dm.gov.za

Dephne Bonn
Namaqualand Museum (Springbok)
Tel: +27(0)27 718 8131
Fax: +27(0)27 712 1635
Website: www.namakhoi.gov.za

Sandy Blake
Kleinzee Tourism
Tel: +27(0)27 877 0028